The UK is facing a housing crisis. With nearly 700,000 homes sitting empty, it’s hard to ignore the question: Why are we building more homes when so many stand unused? Empty homes aren’t just a missed opportunity—they’re a problem that impacts communities, property values, and housing supply.
At UK Homes Network, we want to shine a light on this issue and explore what can be done.
What Are Empty Homes?
Empty homes are properties left unoccupied for various reasons. Some are short-term vacancies, while others—known as long-term empty homes—have been vacant for over six months. In England, 261,471 properties fall into this category, and many have been abandoned for years.
Why Do Homes Stay Empty?
1. Emotional Ties
Many homes become vacant when owners pass away. Families often struggle to sell these properties because of emotional attachments or delays with probate laws, which govern how estates are handled.
2. Neglect and Disrepair
Some homes are simply abandoned due to high repair costs, leaving them to deteriorate. Others fall victim to neglect because owners live abroad or can’t be traced.
3. Ownership Challenges
Finding out who owns a long-abandoned property can be like solving a mystery. Councils sometimes need to hire genealogists to locate missing owners.
How Empty Homes Hurt Communities?
Abandoned properties aren’t just an eyesore—they have real consequences:
- Attracting vandalism and crime.
- Lowering nearby property values.
- Worsening housing shortages in areas where homes are desperately needed.
Solutions: How Councils Are Tackling the crisis?
1. Council Tax Premiums
Homes left empty for over a year often face extra council tax charges to encourage owners to take action.
2. Enforcement Tools
Local councils can use tools like Empty Dwelling Management Orders, allowing them to take over and rent out abandoned properties for up to seven years. Some councils can also enforce repairs and sell properties at auction to recover costs.
3. Support for Renovation
Several organisations, like Shelter and Action on Empty Homes, are calling for national funding programs to help councils bring properties back into use.
Can Vacant Properties Solve the Housing Crisis?
Empty homes alone won’t fix the housing shortage, but they’re part of the solution. Renovating these properties is a cost-effective and green alternative to building new homes. However, this issue needs more attention from central government, along with reforms to probate laws and better funding for local councils.
Empty Homes: FAQs
Why are there so many empty homes in the UK?
Homes are left empty for various reasons, including inheritance delays, neglect, and emotional ties. Often, families or owners struggle to sell or rent out these properties.
How do empty homes affect property professionals?
For estate agents, developers, and investors, empty homes present both challenges and opportunities. They can lower the appeal of an area, but renovating them can boost community value and create new business opportunities.
What can property professionals do to help?
- Developers can work with councils to bid on vacant properties for affordable housing projects.
- Estate agents can market dis-used properties with the right buyers in mind.
- Investors can focus on flipping abandoned properties, adding value to the market.
What’s being done to tackle empty homes?
Councils are using tax incentives, legal enforcement, and renovation schemes to address the issue. National charities are also pushing for more funding and legal reforms.
How Property Professionals Can Make a Difference?
If you’re a property professional, here’s how you can take action:
- Stay informed. Keep an eye on council auctions for abandoned properties.
- Get creative. Partner with local authorities to offer solutions for long-term empty homes.
- Engage with the community. Turn neglected properties into valuable housing stock that improves local areas.
- Use Technology. Platforms like Land Attic have spotlighted vacant properties across the UK meaning it is easier to find and identify property development opportunities.
Conclusion
The empty homes crisis in the UK is a complex issue, but it’s one we can’t afford to ignore. By bringing these homes back to life, we can strengthen communities, reduce the strain on housing, and create new opportunities for property professionals.
Want to know more? Join UK Homes Network to stay updated on housing trends, share your insights, and connect with other property professionals committed to making a difference.
